What It's Used For

Acetaminophen is used to reduce fever and relieve pain. Brand names include Tylenol, Feverall, Tempra, Actamin, and Panadol.

Important Safety Information

• Age restriction: Do not use in infants under 12 weeks (3 months) unless directed by your pediatrician. Fever in young infants requires medical evaluation.
• Dosing frequency: Give every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Concentration: Most liquid acetaminophen is now standardized at 160 mg/5mL. Always check the label.
• Avoid combination products: Do not give medicines with multiple ingredients to children under 6 years unless directed by your pediatrician.

What It's Used For

Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and relieve pain. Brand names include Motrin and Advil. It works differently than acetaminophen and can be used in addition to or alternating with acetaminophen when directed by your pediatrician.

Important Safety Information

• Age restriction: Do not use in children under 6 months unless directed by your pediatrician. Not FDA approved for this age group.
• Dosing frequency: Give every 6-8 hours as needed. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Food considerations: May be given with food if it causes stomach upset.
• Avoid combination products: Do not give medicines with multiple ingredients to children under 6 years unless directed by your pediatrician.

What It's Used For

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions, hives, and nasal allergies. It is available as Benadryl and generic formulations. Note that newer antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) may be safer options for young children as they cause less drowsiness.

Important Safety Information

• Age restriction: Not recommended for children under 2 years unless directed by your pediatrician. Consider safer alternatives like cetirizine or loratadine.
• Dosing frequency: Give every 6 hours as needed. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Side effects: Can cause drowsiness. Some children may experience paradoxical reactions and become more excited or active instead of sleepy.
• Driving caution: Teens should not drive or operate machinery after taking this medication due to drowsiness risk.

What It's Used For

Cetirizine is a long-acting antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions, nasal allergies, eye allergies, hives, and itching. Brand names include Zyrtec and generic cetirizine. It causes less drowsiness than older antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and lasts up to 24 hours.

Important Safety Information

• Age restriction: Not recommended for children under 6 months unless directed by your pediatrician. Not FDA approved for children under 2 years, but may be prescribed by your doctor.
• Dosing frequency: Give once daily, preferably in the morning.
• Age-based dosing: Unlike other medications on this page, cetirizine dosing is based primarily on age rather than weight.
• Long-acting: Provides relief for 24 hours with once-daily dosing.